A sacred minister who, by the sacrament of Orders, receives power to offer the Eucharistic sacrifice, to administer the sacraments, to preach, and to bless. In the exercise of his office he is dependent on his ecclesiastical superior, from whom he receives jurisdiction to forgive sins and to take care of souls. It is of faith that the priesthood was instituted by Christ; also that it is a sacrament impressing an indelible character on the soul. See also